The Saints - Live At Paddington Town Hall, April 21, 1977

Yes, I'm pushing that Galen & Paul interview up to Monday. But I'm giving you 17 minutes of live Saints for now. It's a Perfect Day.

The Saints, 1977: “Wotcha mean you wanted a Q-and-A with some bloke from The Clash?!”

Yes, Book Duties get in the way of Substack duties, again. I promise, you will get that Paul Simonon (with his musical partner Galen Ayers) interview starting Monday. And I will even make Part One free, continuing free week a bit.

Meantime, enjoy one of the key moments in Australian punk history. Brisbane’s The Saints, who had just shocked the entire world with the crucial 45 “(I’m) Stranded” — an early indication Ramones-adjacent (yet more brutal) speed-rock was being created half a world away, as the Ramones were recording their debut album — had just moved to Sydney. Now residing in the territory of Radio Birdman and their Stooges-meets-Blue Öyster Cult power-rock, The Saints accepted a co-headline gig with the hometown heroes.

Except ever-contrarian Saints singer Chris Bailey was surly, uncooperative, and didn’t care to make friends: “We want to thank, as a group, the local chapter of the Hitler Youth, who put up all the fine props,” he snarls after a blistering “This Perfect Day,” indicating Birdman’s mock-paramilitary banners featuring their logo. Which didn’t sit well the hosts or their fans, to say the least.

Nevertheless, despite a couple of glitches, this is some of the devastatingly bloodthirsty live rock ‘n’ roll you will ever hear. Ed Kuepper’s guitar savagery eats Angus Young for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two snacks, even devouring the bones. Crank this as high as your speakers will go, then break off the volume knob and repeat as necessary until Monday. Have a great weekend!